GLORIOUS sunshine greeted more than 600 fundraisers as they put their best feet forward in aid of charity.

The Heritage Coast Run/Walk, organised by the Rotary Club of Saxmundham and District, was blessed with fine weather.

The annual fundraiser starts and finishes in Thorpeness and features three different routes along the coast, covering six miles, a half marathon and full marathon.

The first man to hit the finish was Dutchman Bart Luijk, from Utrecht, who was holidaying in Suffolk and completed the shorter distance in just 37mins 6secs. He was closely followed by ladies winner, Nikki Brockbank, just 35 seconds later.

Roger Braybrooks won the half marathon in 80mins 16secs and Amanda Henry was first for the ladies in 91mins 36secs. The marathon was won by Charles Wartnaby in 3hrs 4mins and Carol White in 3hrs 45mins. The Framlingham Flyers won the team event.

Among other notable performers were Philip Nutley, 65, of Ipswich, who has run more than 550 marathons in the last 15 years and Ian Keith Taylor, 48, from Halesworth, who has run 102 marathons in the last five years. Scotsman John Murray travelled nine hours from Perth to run the six mile course for the third year.

Saxmundham Rotary president David Smith said the event raised thousands of pounds for the Alzheimer’s Society and thanked everyone involved for their support.